ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
North East will lead the post COVID India and its economy: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh said that North East will lead the post COVID India and its economy. Addressing a Webinar organized by CII on “Strengthening Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities for e-commerce in North East, the Minister said that NE means the New Engine of growth for New India which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to usher in as we approach 75th anniversary of India’s Independence in 2022. He said, the huge impetus given to connectivity issues in North East by the Prime Minister will not only bring the region at par with developed States of the country but will also result in double digit growth and realisation of a 5 trillion-dollar economy.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that an E-commerce supply chain is one of the most promising areas which can boost the economy of the region in more ways than one and the pandemic has shown how e-commerce has fuelled the livelihoods of MSMEs and small players. With umpteen numbers of talented artisans and craftsmen, the e-commerce can provide a strong platform to them for not only creating business opportunities but also creating scope to showcase their unique products to a global marketplace, he added.
The Minister said that with a view to strengthening the logistics and trade infrastructure and creating a vibrant multi-modal transport sector in the region, the government has initiated phased development strategies and specific sectoral policy interventions along with infrastructure development. He said that Indian supply chain companies are fast spreading their operational footprint in the North-East to leverage the potential of the region as a growing logistics destination.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the present government under the able leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has been constantly striving towards the optimisation of the huge latent potential of the region and the “Look East” policy has been rightly transformed into ‘Act East” policy. Being the gateway to the growing economies of South East Asian countries, the North Eastern Region holds the potential of contributing heavily to the country’s GDP by virtue of promoting trade and business relations with ASEAN, thus regaining its lost economic prominence, he added.
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SNC
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 420
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 179.89 Crore
More than 16 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 179.89 Crore  today. More than 16 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. More than 2.11 Crore  Precaution Doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries  for COVID vaccination have been administered so far. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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|
1st Dose
|
|
10402521
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9982944
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4299290
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18411259
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17474069
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6522004
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|
Age Group 15-18 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
55789422
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
33298378
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
553172096
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
454116901
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
202499426
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
182450981
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126573196
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
113632258
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|
Precaution Dose
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|
10322557
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|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
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|
966847920
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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810955531
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Precaution Dose
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21143851
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Total
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1798947302
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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Date: 11th March, 2022 
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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67
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2nd Dose
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1176
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Precaution Dose
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9184
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
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|
88
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1721
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
22657
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|
Age Group 15-18 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
62003
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
371538
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
88496
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
704574
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
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|
14168
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
169914
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
9053
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
106081
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Precaution Dose
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|
53449
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|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
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173875
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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|
1355004
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Precaution Dose
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|
85290
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|
Total
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1614169
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
President of India gives assent to The Constitution  ACT, 2019
The President of India has given assent to the Constitution  Amendment Act, 2019 today. This Act may be called the Constitution  Act, 2019.It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. The Gazette Notification is enclosed herewith.
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Prime Minister's Office
India continues to make strides in the world of manufacturing: PM
Lauds Phone exports getting more than double YoY in April-Oct
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness on Phone exports getting more than double YoY in April-Oct as mobile phone exports raced past $5-billion mark within 7 months. This is more than double of $2.2 billion that India clocked in same period last year.
On a tweet by Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Prime Minister replied:
“India continues to make strides in the world of manufacturing.”
PIB Headquarters
4 Kgs gold worth Rs. 1.56 Crore seized by Customs at Chennai Airport One Korean arrested
On Thursday morning based on intelligence that gold is likely to be smuggled by some Korean passenger arriving from Honk Kong by Cathay Pacific flight CX 631, a special team comprising of officers of Customs officers comprising of Air Intelligence Unit and Rummaging & Intelligence Wing was formed and a special watch was kept in Customs area to nab the smuggler. During early morning officers noticed that one tall and well built male passenger was walking hurriedly in a rather suspicious manner towards the exit gate with his hand baggage . He was intercepted at the exit and questioned by officers as to why was he in a hurry and had he anything to declare. As the passenger became nervous and was evasive in his replies so he was taken for personal search along with his hand bags. From his passport he was identified as Chang Sic Ban , a resident of Seoul , Republic of Korea who had arrived from Hong Kong by Cathay Pacific flight CX 631. During his personal search when he was asked to remove his sports shoes, he became hyper tensed. Two unusually heavy packets wrapped in newspapers were found one in each shoe. On opening the packets two gold bars weighing 1 Kg each were found in each packet. Total 4 gold bars having foreign markings “ ARG UAE 1 Kilo 999.9 fine gold melter assayer” were recovered from his shoes. Total 4 gold bars of 24 K purity, weighing 4 kg valued at Rs.1.56 Crores were recovered. The same were seized under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962. He was arrested.
During questioning Chang informed that he was a graduate in architecture but was working as a fitness trainer as he has a passion for fitness. He further informed that the gold was handed over to him by an unknown person outside Honk Kong airport. In Chennai he was to handover the same to some unknown person in the city who would identify him by his picture.
Further investigations are under progress, according to the press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport, Chennai.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Open Defecation Free
Under Swachh Bharat Mission  [SBM], all the 6,03,175 villages in the country have declared themselves Open Defecation Free  as on 2.10.2019. The Government has further advised all the States to ensure that no one is left behind under SBM and to identify the missed out rural households, if any, and support them to construct toilets under the programme.
Under SBM, 10.24 crore individual household latrines  were constructed from 2.10.2014 to 31.12.2019.
The Government has approved Phase-II of SBM for the period from 2020-21 to 2024-25, with the focus on ODF sustainability by providing access to toilets facilities to the newly emerging eligible rural households of the country and Solid and Liquid Waste Management  in the villages.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Food Testing Laboratories in India
A total of 224 Food Testing Laboratories recognized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Grants to States for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories  accreditation, Certified Reference Materials, Consumables and for hiring contractual manpower provided by FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  has informed that it has recognized/notified 224 food testing laboratories .
FSSAI does not establish primary food testing labs but recognizes and notifies labs based on voluntary applications. Further, FSSAI is implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Strengthening of Food Testing System in the Country including provision of Mobile Food Testing Labs  under which State Food Testing Laboratories  are provided funds for setting up lab with basic lab equipment, installation of high end equipment and establishing microbiology lab.
FSSAI has also provided grants to States for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories  accreditation, Certified Reference Materials, Consumables and for hiring contractual manpower. To extend reach of basic testing facilities even in remote areas, FSSAI has sanctioned/provided 254 mobile food testing labs called Food Safety on Wheels . Ministry of Food Processing Industries has informed that total Food Testing Laboratories  projects completed from 2019 till date is 41 and on an average 37 persons have been employed in each FTL project. Therefore, total direct and indirect employment generated since 2019 is 1517. The details of funds released for food testing laboratories by Ministry of Food Processing Industries is Rs.25.96 crore in 2019-20, Rs.23.32crore in 2020-21 and Rs.34.43 crore in 2021-22. Further, the Draft Regulations for Genetically Modified foods have also been notified.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Cabinet approves Promulgation of an Ordinance for Amendment to the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedpromulgation of an Ordinance to amend the definition of "person", as defined in sub-section  of section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005  to include a trust, to enable the setting up of a unit in a Special Economic Zone by a trust, as also to provide flexibility to the Central Government to include in this definition of a person, any entity that the Central Government may notify from time to time.
Impact:
The present provision of the SEZs Act, 2005 do not permit 'trusts' to set up units in SEZs. The amendment will enable a trust to be considered for grant of permission to set up a unit in SEZs. The amendment will also provide flexibility to the Central Government to include in this definition of a person, any entity that the Central Government may notify from time to time. This will facilitate investments in Special Economic Zones.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Proposal for construction of break water harbour in Konkan
(Nivati shore line in Konkan, Maharashtra
The Nivati-Medha break water harbour in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is being considered under “12 Champion Sectors initiative” of the Ministry of Commerce. The was informed by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviationafter a meeting with RajanTeli, former member of Maharashtra Legislative Council, from the Konkan region. The Minister informed him that a proposal has already been submitted to the Maharashtra Maritime Board in this regard.
Suresh Prabhu directed concerned officials to expedite the construction of the breakwater harbour once the Maharashtra Maritime Board approves the proposal.
In the absence of such a harbour the financial condition of fishermen in the area is deteriorating as they are totally dependent on the vagaries of the sea.Building of the breakwater harbour will help the fishermen to haul abetter catch even in adverse conditions and also give a boost to the tourism industry by allowing cruise ships to dock at the harbour. Other tourism activities will also get a fillip. This will raise the living standards of local people in the area noted the Minister.
Special Service and Features
Kochi and Lakshadweep Witness the Grand inauguration of PM Vishwakarma Project
Kochi, 17th September 2023
The launch of the PM Vishwakarma project, a central scheme for the upliftment of traditional artists, sculptors and artisans of India, was witnessed today at Vinayaka Mandapam, Kadavanthra, Kochi.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM Vishwakarma project at India International Center in Dwarka, Delhi on Vishwakarma Day. The inauguration ceremony was witnessed LIVE at various regional centers in India including Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The Scheme provides Rs 15,000 for purchasing tool kits and unsecured loans of Rs 2 lakhs to traditional artisans. It is all set to revolutionize the arts and crafts industry of India. By providing a platform for skilled artisans to showcase their skills and contribute to the country's rich cultural heritage, the initiative promises to promote economic growth and help countless artisans flourish.
In Kochi, Coir Board Chairman Shri Kuppuramu was the chief guest on the occasion. He said that the PM Vishwakarma project was an important step to revive, sustain and promote India's traditional handicraft skills. He said that even the words of some languages which were widely used in the field of handicrafts were lost, but this was an attempt to revive them. He said that Kerala was a state which still preserved the rich diversity in the field of handicrafts and sculpture. However, it was necessary to pass on traditional knowledge to the next generations through education. PM Vishwakarma was an expression of the Prime Minister's vision to transform India into a new nation, he added.
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden also spoke on the occasion.
Live Streaming was also organised in all islands of Lakshadweep. The main programme was held at Kavaratti where Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Darshana Vikram Jardosh was the Chief Guest. The launch of the Scheme was received with great enthusiasm by artisans from various fields.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Shri Abdul Rahim Musaliar Badharudeen appointed as Additional Judge of Kerala High Court
President of India, in exercise of the power conferred by clause  of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, appointed Shri Abdul Rahim Musaliar Badharudeen, to be an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court, for a period of two years with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. A notification in this regard was issued by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law& Justice today.
MONIKA
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Ministry of Defence
EX AGNI DAMAN-23: Civil - Military agencies combat fire together
Pune, 28 April 2023
The onset of summers & extremely high temperature conditions prevalent in areas in and around Pune have severely increased the fire hazard factor. To emphasise the need for awareness and training of men on firefighting as also to exercise the capabilities of combined forces of all agencies including military and civil , a mutual firefighting Exercise named AGNI DAMAN-23 was conducted at 29 Field Ammunition Depot, Dehu Road under the aegis of Headquarter Southern Command on 28 Apr 2023.
A total of 56 firefighting columns including 32 from civil agencies like National Disaster Relief Force , State Disaster Relief Force , MC Alandi, Fire Department Pimpri Chinchwad, PMRDA Akurdi, MIDC Ambi Talegaon, MC Talegaon Dhabade, Nagar Parishad Chakan, Main Fire Department Bhawani Peth, Tata Motors Ltd, Mahindra Vehicle Ltd & Bajaj Auto participated actively in the exercise. Drills and procedures including swift response strategy against all types of fire was rehearsed in a coordinated manner.
The exercise was a landmark endeavour in synergizing all the firefighting resources available with military and civil establishment in Pune. Ex Agni Daman-22 provided impetus & opportunity to the combatant manpower including central/state agencies to perform coordinated firefighting & render maximum aid in minimum possible time to the affected areas to save precious lives & valuable assets.PIB Pune | M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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President's Secretariat
President of India graces Annual Convocation of Jamia Millia Islamia
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the annual convocation of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that government has been making changes in education eco-system to adapt it to contemporary challenges. One of the important objectives of the 'National Education Policy' proposed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development is to establish India as a 'knowledge super power'. The whole world is aware of the immense talent of the students of India. All educational institutions in the country have to contribute to make proper use of this talent. Special contributions are expected from prestigious institutions like 'Jamia'.
The President said that in order to connect every section of the society with development, University’s Social Responsibility  like Corporate Social Responsibility  needs to be emphasized. He noted that Jamia has adopted five villages under the ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’. He asked Jamia if it can adopt some more villages. He said that while working for this campaign, students should go to those villages and try to understand their issues. They should make villagers aware of the schemes like cleanliness of the village, literacy, vaccination of all children and nutrition. He said that students should also provide villagers information about Central and State Government schemes. Such efforts would help the weaker sections of the society and increase students' awareness and sensitivity towards rural areas, the President pointed out.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Dr Najma Heptualla, Governor of Manipur and Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Hindi Speech link attached here
Prime Minister's Office
PM to lay foundation stone of four laning of key sections of Shri Sant Dnyaneshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg and Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg on 8th November
Dedicated walkways for ‘Palkhi’ will be constructed on either side of these National Highways
PM to also dedicate to the nation multiple road projects for boosting connectivity to Pandharpur
In an effort to facilitate the movement of devotees to Pandharpur, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for four laning of five sections of Shri Sant Dnyaneshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg  and three sections of Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg , on 8th November, 2021 at 3:30 PM via video conferencing. Dedicated walkways for ‘Palkhi’ will be constructed on either side of these National Highways, providing hassle free and safe passage to devotees.
About 221 km of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Diveghat to Mohol and about 130 Km of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Patas to Tondale – Bondale, will be four laned with dedicated walkways for ‘Palkhi’ on either side, at estimated costs of more than Rs. 6690 crore and about Rs. 4400 crore respectively.
During the event, Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation more than 223 Km of completed and upgraded road projects, constructed with an estimated cost of over Rs. 1180 crore at different National Highways for boosting connectivity to Pandharpur. These projects include Mhaswad - Piliv - Pandharpur , Kurduwadi - Pandharpur , Pandharpur - Sangola , Tembhurni-Pandharpur section of NH 561A and Pandharpur - Mangalwedha - Umadi section of NH 561A.
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister and Chief Minister Maharashtra will be present on the occasion.
Ministry of Railways
Frequency of Champaran Satyagraha Express increased to bi-weekly
Train is flagged of by Smt. Darshana Jardosh through video conferencing
Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, flagged off Champaran Satyagraha Express through video conferencing today on 10.09.21 at 15.00 hrs today from New Delhi through video conferencing. The train will run with increased frequency from weekly to bi-weekly. On this occasion, a program was also organized at Bapudham Motihari station where Hon'ble MP and Chairman of Railway Standing Committee, Shri Radha Mohan Singh also flagged off this train. Other dignitaries were also present at Bapudham Motihari station.
Today, Train No. 05595 Bapudham Motihari-Anand Vihar Terminus Champaran Satyagraha Express is running as inaugural special and departed at 15.00 hrs via Sagauli, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Harinagar, Bagaha, Paniyahwa, Kaptanganj, Gorakhpur. It will reach Anand Vihar Terminus at 12.15 hrs on 11.09.21.
Now Train No. 14010 Anand Vihar Terminus – Bapudham Motihari Champaran Satyagraha Express will leave Anand Vihar at 23.45 hrs on every Saturday and Monday of the week and reach Bapudham Motihari at 18.45 hrs the next day. In return direction, Train No. 14009 Bapudham Motihari – Anand Vihar Terminus Champaran Satyagraha Express will leave Bapudham Motihari at 21.10 hrs on every Sunday and Tuesday of the week and reach Anand Vihar Terminal at 18.15 hrs the next day.
The people of the area would be benefited by the increase in the frequency of Champaran Satyagraha as rail connectivity with Delhi gets improved.